Presidential Proclamation on Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
December 10, 2010
HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, BILL OF RIGHTS DAY,
AND HUMAN RIGHTS WEEK, 2010
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. More than 60 years
later, the Declaration reflects the world's commitment to the idea that "all human beings are born free and equal in
dignity and rights." As Americans, this self-evident truth lies at the heart of our Declaration of Independence, our
Constitution, and our Bill of Rights. It is a belief that, while every nation pursues a path rooted in the culture of
its own citizens, certain rights belong to all people: freedom to live as they choose, to speak openly, to organize
peacefully, to worship freely, and to participate fully in the public life of their society with confidence in the rule
of law.
Freedom, justice, and peace for the world must begin with basic security and liberty in the lives of individual human
beings. Today, we continue the fight to make universal human rights a reality for every person, regardless of race,
gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or circumstance. From the freedom to associate or criticize to the
protection from violence or unlawful detention, these inherent civil rights are a matter of both pragmatic and moral
necessity.
The challenges of a new century call for a world that is more purposeful and more united. The United States will always
speak for those who are voiceless, defend those who are oppressed, and bear witness to those who want nothing more than
to exercise their universal human rights. Our Bill of Rights protects these fundamental values at home, and guides our
actions as we stand with those who seek to exercise their universal rights, wherever they live. Countries whose people
choose their leaders and rely on the rule of law are more likely to be peaceful neighbors and prosperous partners in the
world community.
Part of the price of our own blessings of freedom is standing up for the liberty of others. As we observe Human Rights
Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, let us recommit to advancing human rights as our common cause and moral
imperative. Let us continue to stand with citizens, activists, and governments around the world who embrace democratic
reforms and empower free expression. Together, we can advance the arc of human progress toward a more perfect Union and
a more perfect world -- one in which each human being lives with dignity, security, and equality.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by
the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2010, as Human Rights Day; December
15, 2010, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week beginning December 10, 2010, as Human Rights Week. I call upon the people
of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
ENDS